The momentum in the area of Swiss early-stage start-ups was high in recent years. Despite high risk, interest in investments increased, which resulted in strong growth rates in the number of investments and the amount invested. An important player in this field is SICTIC. The Business Angel Club has just released its Investment Report for 2021.
SICTIC Investors funded 110 financing rounds of Swiss technology startups, a 38% increase from the previous year (80 rounds). At the end of 2021, SICTIC had 502 members. The largest group is made up of people with entrepreneurial experience. 36% of the investors are former CEOs, founders and / or partners. Additional 17% have management experience. Almost 1200 participants took part in the ten matchmaking events held last year.
For the third year in a row, SICTIC celebrated three exits of portfolio companies: VAY Sports AG, Optimyze.Cloud Inc, and TestingTime AG. Since 2016, a total of 11 companies from the SICTIC portfolio have been acquired.
More than CHF300 million invested
The SICTIC portfolio now comprises a good 200 start-ups. SICTIC investors have invested a total of more than CHF 300 million in these companies. Fintech start-ups make up the largest group in the portfolio with 18%, followed by internet platforms with 11%. The strongest growth regarding portfolio companies in the last year was visible in the Internet Platforms, AI/ML applications and ICT solutions in the HealthTech space. By the end of 2021, SICTIC portfolio companies had hired over 4,000 employees.
The detailed SICTC Investment Report provides further analysis of the portfolio companies. Since SICTIC investors were involved in 71% of all ICT early-stage rounds last year, these analyses also offer a sound idea of the Swiss ICT start-up scene in general. In addition, there are interesting lists such as that of the portfolio companies as well as first-hand reports from start-ups and some articles with tips for investors and founders.
Founded in 2014 with headquarters in Zurich and offices in Lausanne and Manno near Lugano with investors throughout Switzerland, SICTIC is a non-profit association. SICTIC’s community is comprised of: Business Angels, Professional Investors (single and multi family offices), Institutional Investors, Annual Partners, Service Partners, Academic Partners and Network Partners.
(Press release / SK)